Charles Anthony Francis Law, born in London, England, in 1916, led a life deeply intertwined with both art and military service. As the son of Major and Mrs. A.S. Law, who were Canadians, Law's early life was steeped in the traditions of his homeland, even though he was born abroad. His father served in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during World War I, and the family relocated to Canada in 1917, eventually settling in Quebec City.
Law's artistic talents were nurtured from a young age, influenced by his family and his environment. His grandfather, Captain F.C. Law, a retired Royal Navy officer, ran his island summer home in Muskoka with the precision of a battleship, imparting a sense of seamanship to the young boy. This discipline and attention to detail would later translate into Law's meticulous approach to painting.
On his maternal side, his grandfather, Justice L.A. Audette, a Judge of the Exchequer Court, had a summer home at Rivière du Loup, where Law built his first sailing boat at the age of fourteen. These formative experiences not only ingrained a love for the sea but also introduced him to the world of art. His grandfather, Captain Law, was an accomplished painter, and it was here that Law's own talent was discovered and encouraged by Dr. Marius Barbeau.
Law's formal education began at Upper Canada College from 1928 to 1931, where he developed a passion for sailing and painting. By the age of sixteen, he co-owned a 21-foot yacht, sharing ownership with his brother Stuart and a friend. Their adventures on the St. Lawrence River provided valuable experiences that would later influence his artistic work.
In his pursuit of art, Law studied under notable Canadian artists, including Franklin Brownell and F.H. Varley, at the Ottawa Art Association from 1934 to 1937. He also attended the University of Ottawa, where he formed a close friendship with Frank Hennessey, with whom he painted in the Gatineau and Gaspé areas. Law also received instruction from Percival Tudor-Hart in Quebec City, who, like Brownell, had studied at the Julian Academy in Paris. His dedication and natural talent quickly became evident.
In 1937, Law held his first solo exhibition in Quebec City, and two years later, he was awarded the Jessie Dow Prize for landscape in oils for his canvas "Cold Winter Day, P.Q." The Montreal Gazette praised his work for its broad handling of forms, effective design, and crisp, clean colors. Despite his success as an artist, the looming threat of World War II called Law to service.
In 1937, Law joined the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps as a lieutenant, but by 1939, he transferred to the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve. His military career was as remarkable as his artistic one. Law served on various ships before joining the Motor Torpedo Boat Command of the Royal Navy at Dover. He commanded M.T.B. No. 48 and participated in daring attacks against Nazi warships, earning recognition for his bravery and skill. His heroic actions during the war included leading his boat through heavy fire and successfully hitting the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen.
Even amidst the chaos of war, Law found time to document his experiences on canvas. His war paintings, many of which are now housed in the National Gallery of Canada, captured the intensity and danger of naval combat. His work was exhibited across Canada, bringing the realities of war to the home front.
After the war, Law continued his naval career, eventually becoming an official war artist. He completed twenty-nine large oil paintings and seventy-five oil sketches, most of which depicted his wartime experiences. His works were highly regarded and toured throughout Canada.
In 1946, Law was transferred to the permanent Navy, where he held various command positions, including that of Lieutenant-Commander aboard the aircraft carrier Magnificent. He continued to paint throughout his naval career, even forming an art club among the officers and men aboard his ships.
Law retired from the Navy in 1966 and devoted himself entirely to painting. He became the resident artist at St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he also served as Curator of Art. His work continued to gain recognition, and a retrospective exhibition of his paintings was held at the Nova Scotia Museum of Fine Arts Centennial Art Gallery in 1968.
Law's legacy as both an artist and a naval officer is significant. His paintings are represented in prestigious collections, including the Quebec Provincial Museum, the Nova Scotia Provincial Museum, and the National Gallery of Canada. His contributions to Canadian art and his wartime service are a testament to his extraordinary life, blending the worlds of art and military service in a way few others have achieved.
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